7 Ways To Handle Receiving Those Cringey Unwanted Holiday Gift

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Americans spent an estimated $942 to $960 billion over the holidays this year, says Investopedia. On average, shoppers spent a little over $800 on gifts. Many dollars certainly go out the door this time of year. We intend for them to go into gifts that go into the hands of loved ones who absolutely adore those presents. But do a lot of those dollars wind up in the trash? Figuratively or even literally?

Unfortunately, yes. A survey from Finder.com shows that over half of Americans open at least one unwanted gift per year. Clothing and jewelry top the charts of items people like to receive the least, followed by household items, cosmetics and fragrances. So, what are you going to do with all of those fuzzy sweaters, bangle bracelets and placemats with funny sayings on them?

For now, they’re sitting piled up on that one chair in your room or they’re filling up the trunk of your car. It’s time to face the music and deal with those well-intended but poorly-executed presents. Here’s your ultimate guide to handling all of those unwanted gifts.

First, Take A Beat

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Your first instinct might be to donate everything, toss out everything or stuff everything into a box that you shove under your bed and forget. There’s a lot to process in that pile of gifts, but there’s no rush to do so. Give yourself some time to assess your feelings about each individual gift. Even if you ultimately decide you don’t want any of them, the final destination for one unwanted gift isn’t always the right place for another. There can be intention and purpose behind getting rid of unwanted gifts (read on). And it requires a little time spent with the gifts.

Sentimental (Aka Guilt-Ridden) Gifts

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So your mom gave you jewelry that belonged to her mother, who passed away. Your aunt gave you a backpack that belonged to a distant cousin from his time in the military. We all get these sentimental gifts passed down to us that we really have no use for.

Here’s one simple thing to remember: before you feel guilty about “getting rid” of this item, remember that the person who gave it to you literally did the same thing. They got rid of it when they gave it to you. This happens a lot in families: the older generations feel bad for throwing out or donating their relative’s items, so they just pass the guilt onto you. Don’t let your fear of their judgment make you hold onto an item that you don’t want or need. They also did not want or need it.

It is okay to tell your family, “I appreciate this sentiment very much. I simply do not have room in my home for this right now. Would you like to hold onto it? Otherwise, I will probably donate it.” Give them the option, so they know you didn’t carelessly give it away.

Thoughtful + Intentional Re-Gifting

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There might be some gifts you get that have no place in your life, but would be perfect for somebody else. If you get hobby or interest-specific gifts, like podcasting equipment or an oil painting kit, maybe hold onto them for now. Over the next few weeks, pay attention to who you know and what they’re into. You might know someone who would benefit greatly from that bird-watching kit your aunt gave you that you’ll never use.

Exchange It If You Can

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If you did get a gift receipt for a pricey item, feel free to go exchange it for something else. The gift giver provided you with the receipt because they want to make sure their dollars go to good use – whether on the first thing they got you, or something else. (And remember, you don’t have to tell them you exchanged it, unless they ask).

Is It Time For A Swap Out?

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Sometimes you get something that you already have too many of. Dish towels, sweaters, earrings, throw pillows, candles, perfumes…these gifts tend to show up by the dozen around the holidays.

Before you get rid of the new item, assess what you already have. It might actually be time to throw out that old perfume that you never wear, that similar sweater of yours that’s all pilled, or those earrings that have started to tarnish. Sometimes, getting an item you already have is an opportunity to swap out the old for the new.

Is It A “Some Day” Gift?

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Ask yourself if it’s a gift you might use some day. Just because you don’t need it today doesn’t mean it won’t serve a purpose eventually. Maybe you get a piece of furniture or artwork that you don’t currently have room for. But, one day you plan on getting a bigger home, and would love to use it then. Consider putting those items in storage so that when “some day” comes, you don’t regret having given them away.

Have A Gift Exchange Party

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Host a gift exchange party where everyone can bring all of their unwanted gifts over. One person’s trash might truly be someone else’s treasure. It’s a good excuse to get together, and it feels good to see a gift you would have otherwise donated wind up in the hands of a loved one.

As For Next Year…

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Communicate with the gift-givers in your life. Next year, around a month before the holidays, send out a memo of what you want (and what you don’t want). You can remind people that you don’t have much space in your home for large items, or that you already have more jewelry than you know what to do with. Give them ideas for what you do want, so you can cut down on unwanted gifts.